Manchester United are one of several clubs reportedly interested in signing highly-rated Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder Denis Zakaria.
The 23-year-old has been an important player for the German club since signing for them in 2017, but his future may be elsewhere next season.
As per Sky Sports Germany (via Daily Star), the Red Devils are the frontrunners in the chase to sign the Swiss international, with the likes of Borussia Dortmund, Atletico Madrid, and Liverpool also interested in signing Zakaria.
The midfielder joined the German club from Young Boys in 2017, and he has gone on to make 96 appearances in all competitions for Monchengladbach.
His current deal with the German club expires in 2022. Zakaria is an important player for the Switzerland national team as well, making 24 appearances for his nation.
Denis Zakaria to Manchester United – A smashing move by Solskjaer?
Manchester United’s midfielder, over the last few months, have stepped up, with the likes of Fred, Nemanja Matic, and Scott McTominay picking up some form.
Fred and McTominay could be United’s key midfielders for the next few seasons, while Matic is a quality option in the squad. But, with Paul Pogba expected to leave the club in the summer (h/t Sun), and considering the club need more midfield options, manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer needs to strengthen this area of the pitch with quality additions.
Zakaria could be a good addition to the Red Devils squad as he is a versatile player, who is very strong defensively.
Primarily a defensive midfielder, the 23-year-old can also play as a central midfielder, as well as a central defender. The 6’2″ midfielder is a player who can get from one box to the other, offering support to attackers from deep positions, while also being strong defensively.
Zakaria averages 2.1 tackles and 1.6 interceptions per game in the league this season, while also being good at moving the ball forward, averaging 2 dribbles per game.
The Swiss midfielder could play in the deep-lying position as a long-term replacement for Matic, and will offer a lot more mobility than the experienced Serbian.
All top clubs need at least two quality players for each position, which means the addition of a defensive midfielder is imperative in the summer for Manchester United.